Essex sign Hollioake for Twenty20

Hollioake had a successful spell as Surrey skipper

Former England one-day captain Adam Hollioake has come out of retirement to play for Essex in the Twenty20 Cup.

The 35-year-old former Surrey skipper has been based in Perth since his retirement in 2004.

"I've signed for Essex's Twenty20 Cup participation and I won't be playing beyond that," he said.

"This fits in nicely because, with my business commitments, it's impossible to commit to the training required to play all year round."

Interview: Adam Hollioake

Hollioake was recommended to the county by former England captain Graham Gooch.

Gooch played with Hollioake during the beach cricket tri-nations series earlier this year and was impressed by his fitness.

Hollioake led Surrey to three County Championship crowns in five years, as well as the National League title and the inaugural Twenty20 Cup in 2003.

The Australian-born all-rounder played four Tests and 35 one-day internationals for England, leading his country to the 1997 Champions Trophy title in Sharjah.

Hollioake, who runs a property development business in Australia, will make his Essex Eagles debut in the tournament opener against Sussex Sharks on 22 June.

"With the Twenty20 Cup schedule fitting into the school holidays and this being the best time of year in England, this was an offer too good to refuse," he added.

"I love playing Twenty20 cricket and I'm now looking forward to getting the red gear on and seeing how I'll do."